Method and system of controlling spam

Abstract

A method for a first network to receive a packet from a second network is provided, including a router at the first network receiving the packet from the second network, the packet addressed to a client reachable through the first network; the router inspecting the packet for a nonrepudiable marking provided by the second network; if the nonrepudiable marking is present and matches the packet, adding an indicator pointing to the second network in the packet; adding a second nonrepudiable marking to the packet, and transmitting the packet to a destination; and otherwise, dropping the packet.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001]This invention relates to a method and system for marking a network packet for the purpose of determining the transmission participants at a later point in time.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]Transmitting messages over networks (e.g., in the form of e-mails or instant messages) has become a highly-popular means of communication. Yet it remains difficult to trace such messages with certainty (i.e., to be able to state with a high level of confidence that a particular part of the network, such as a router, participated in delivering the message to its destination). The need to trace with certainty, however, is important in the light of cybercrime, which uses networked message communication to transmit malware and other threats. Without this ability, it is difficult to establish the offender and to take appropriate relief action. One example is spam. Spam continues to consume vast amounts of network and server resources worldwide, with some studies sugge...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0027]In one aspect of the invention there is provided method to trace, with a high level of confidence, the path that the messages or parts thereof took through the network. The method of tracing is based upon the marking (an indication or record of a point on the path taken) introduced on the messages or parts thereof as they travel through the network. Unlike other methods, all messages that are successfully delivered are traceable even if other participating autonomous systems are not trusted. As a result, all senders and intermediaries are not able to deny their involvement in the transmission of the message. The infrastructure involved is simple, peer-based, and is invisible to senders and recipients of messages, unless tracing is required. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method that allows an opt-in process in which some benefits accrue to early adopters, and positive feedback occurs as adoption rates grow, following the successful adoption models of other Internet technologies such as MP3. As the user community grows, Metcalfe's law begins to apply, attracting more users in a positive feedback cycle, thereby allowing the change to both take root and unfold.

[0028]In another aspect of the invention there is provided a model based on partnerships with existing network peers. As a result, jurisdictional concerns are significantly reduced. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a model that allows an opt-in process in which some benefits accrue to early adopters, and positive feedback occurs as adoption rates grow, following the successful change adoption models of other Internet technologies such as MP3. As the user community grows, Metcalfe's law begins to apply, attracting more users in a positive feedback cycle, thereby allowing the sea change to both take root and unfold.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, all senders and intermediaries are not able to deny their involvement in the transmission of the message.

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